What is a Bonded Title Montana and How Do You Get One?

A “bonded title” is an official vehicle title issued by the state when the original title is missing, lost, or unavailable — but you still need to legally register and own the vehicle. In essence, the title is backed by a surety bond, which acts as a financial guarantee: if someone else emerges with a valid claim to the vehicle, the bond protects their interests. This process ensures the state issues a title even when the standard documentation chain is broken.

In Montana, a bonded title is used when you can’t obtain the original title or when ownership documentation is incomplete. 

✅ When a Bonded Title Is Necessary

You may need to apply for a bonded title if:

• You bought a vehicle and the seller did not provide a proper title — or the title is missing altogether. 

• The original title was lost, stolen, destroyed or otherwise unavailable. 

• There is a break or gap in the chain of ownership — for example, missing signatures, incomplete paperwork, or inability to locate the previous owner. 

If the vehicle’s documented value exceeds $500 and the previous owner cannot be located or properly transfer the title, Montana law requires a surety bond in order to issue a bonded title. 

🛠️ How to Obtain a Bonded Title in Montana — Step by Step

Here’s how to get a bonded title if you can’t produce a standard title:

1. Gather Documentation & Proof of Effort
   – Provide any documents that support your claim of legitimate acquisition (bill of sale, canceled check, invoice, affidavit, etc.).
   – Demonstrate that you made a good-faith effort to locate the prior owner or original title (e.g. contact attempts, previous owner search). 

2. Submit the Application (Form MV10)
   – Complete the state’s “Application for Break/Bond Title” (Form MV10). This form captures vehicle details (VIN, make, model, year) and explains why the original title isn’t available. 

3. Vehicle Inspection (if required)
   – The state may require a VIN inspection to confirm the vehicle isn’t reported stolen and the VIN matches the vehicle. 

4. Secure a Surety Bond for the Vehicle’s Value
   – The bond amount must be equal to — or sometimes 1.5 × — the appraised value of the vehicle. That valuation is often determined using a recognized vehicle-value guide or by a state agency appraisal.
   
   – Purchase the surety bond from a licensed surety company authorized in Montana. The bond must remain valid for 3 years. 

5. Submit All Documents & Fees to the Local County / Motor Vehicle Division (MVD)
   – Include the filled application, surety bond, proof of purchase, inspection certificate (if required), and any state / county fees. 

6. Receive Your Bonded Title
   – Once approved, the state issues a title branded as “Bonded Title.” This title allows you to legally register and drive the vehicle. 

7. After 3-Year Bond Period
   – If during the three-year period no valid ownership claims are made against the bond, you may request a standard (clean) title without the “bonded” designation. 

ℹ️ What Bonded Title Means (and Doesn’t Mean)

Bonded Title means:

• You are legally considered the owner of the vehicle.

• The vehicle can be registered and plated under your name.

• The vehicle may be sold or transferred — though the bond status remains until the 3-year period ends or a clean title is obtained. 

Bonded Title doesn’t guarantee:

• That no one else may have a legitimate claim — the surety bond protects against that risk.

• That the title becomes “clean” immediately — cleaning up the bonded designation requires waiting the bond period, with no claims filed.

• Free of additional inspections or paperwork — in some cases further checks may be required, especially for older, imported, or atypical vehicles. 

FAQ — Bonded Title in Montana: Common Questions

Q: Is bonded title available for all vehicles?
A: Yes — most vehicles qualify, but the title-value threshold and proper documentation requirements apply. For vehicles valued over $500, a surety bond is mandatory.

vehicle with a bonded title?
A: Yes — once the bonded title is issued, you can register the vehicle normally and use it like any titled vehicle. 

Q: What happens if someone claims the vehicle belongs to them?
A: The surety bond protects third parties with a legitimate claim — if a claim is made and validated, the bond compensates the prior legitimate owner. 

Q: How much does a bonded title cost in Montana?
A: Costs vary. The surety-bond premium depends on the bond amount (vehicle value) and your credit history; bond premiums are often a small percentage of the bond amount. There are also state- or county-level title application and registration fees. 

Q: After 3 years, can I get a clean title?
A: Yes — if no valid claims against the bond arise during that period, you can apply for a standard title without the “bonded” label. 

When Bonded Title Is Not Appropriate or Is Risky

• If the vehicle has open liens or encumbrances, bonded title may not be allowed until liens are resolved. 

• If there’s suspicion the vehicle might be stolen (or previously declared stolen), the state may refuse bonded title and require additional verification / inspection. 

• If you cannot provide credible documentation (bill of sale, proof of purchase, previous registration, VIN history) and cannot justify good-faith effort to find prior title, the MVD may deny application. 

Conclusion

A bonded title in Montana offers a legitimate path to legal vehicle ownership when the original title is missing or unavailable. While it involves extra steps — a surety bond, application paperwork, possible inspections — it allows you to register, insure, and legally drive your vehicle. If done correctly, and after the three-year bond period passes claim-free, you can even convert it to a standard (clean) title.

For vehicles lacking proper documentation, a bonded title offers a second chance to secure legal ownership — with the security and protection of a state-endorsed process.

Need Help Securing a Bonded Title? Get Expert Guidance & Title Bond Options

If you’re facing a missing title, broken ownership chain, or lost documentation — don’t risk unregistered status:
Fill out the form below to get professional help with surety bonds, application processing, and successfully issuing a bonded title for your vehicle in Montana.